How are you honoring Black history? 

February is Black History Month. Consider the intersections between Black History and arts education this month – and throughout the year. Take a look at these resources to help make these connections:  

• African American Registry: Literature
• African American Registry: Media
• African American Registry: Music
• African American Registry: Theatre/The Arts
• Black History and Dance in America
• Black History: Writing & Publishing
• Black History: Film & TV
• Black History: Music & Arts
• Black Theatre History

As Coshandra Dillard notes in her article, “Black History Month: Teaching the Complete History”, it’s important to teach beyond the trauma and struggle of Black people and also explore the creativity, joy and artistry.  Engage your students with the many rich and inspirational stories of amazing Black artists.

With gratitude,

Janet Hayakawa, Associate Director 
The Arts - Dance, Media Arts, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
Janet.Hayakawa@k12.wa.us
Cell/Text: 360-764-6157

_{Art – “Wrinkle” by Casie Woods, Superintendent’s High School Art Show, 2011.}

Arts for All—Join the Movement!

OSPI, the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA), Inspire Washington, and Arts Ed Washington have formed the Arts for All (A4A) Coalition to ensure that all PreK-12 students in Washington State have access to quality arts learning.  A4A seeks to achieve this by developing statewide arts leadership, collecting and analyzing arts education data, and supporting educators and teaching artists through professional learning opportunities. Sign up to stay informed.

The Legacy of Choreographer Alvin Ailey

Alvin Ailey, the modern dance visionary would’ve been 91 years old this year.  Although he died in 1989, his work continues to be relevant.  Learn more in this six-minute video that features his work and an interview with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s artistic director, Robert Battle.

10 Influential Songs for Black History Month  

From Billie Holiday to Beyonce, listen to these songs and learn about their significance in American history.

African American Artists –

National Gallery of Art   

Explore works by African American artists from the National Gallery of Art’s collection.  See the art and read background and biographical information.  Find some lessons and activities here.

_{Art—“Relative” by Sam Gilliam, 1968, acrylic on canvas}

Black Visual Artists Who Broke Barriers

These Black artists have defied cultural and professional stereotypes to leave an enduring legacy on American art history. Learn about these 10 artists here.

_{Photo – “Jean-Michel Basquiat painting in St. Moritz, Switzerland, 1983” by Lee Jaffe/Getty Images}

Prince and the Power of the Arts 

Prince Nwankwo shares in his own words how the power of theatre helped to change his thinking and the trajectory of his life.  This is the fifth post in a multi-part Juvenile Justice Series: Broadcasting Arts Experiences by the Arts Education Partnership.

New Dance Group: Voices for Change

The American Dance Guild will stream this online film festival January 31st – February 27^th showcasing an archive of rare historic dances created by members of the legendary New Dance Group Studio.  Each program will run for one week.  Click here for a schedule and more information.

Registration  OPEN – Regional High School

Art Shows  

Enter high school student art (2D & 3D) in a Regional High School Art Show.  Each Educational Service District (ESD) across Washington sponsors an art show.  All regional shows will send selected artwork to the 49^th Annual Superintendent’s High School Art Show  for review, scoring, and statewide awards.

ESD 101 (Spokane)

ESD 105 (Yakima)

ESD 112 (Vancouver)

ESD 113 (Olympia)

ESD 114 (Bremerton)

ESD 121(Puget Sound)

ESD 123 (Pasco)

ESD 171 (Wenatchee)

ESD 189 (Anacortes)

^{Photo – “Traveling Light” by Dakota Durr, Ferris High School, ESD 101}

Arts for All (A4) Recovery Grants –Deadline: Feb 24

The Washington State Arts Commission’s (ArtsWA) A4A Recovery Grants are intended to stabilize community-based learning options, stimulate hiring and rehiring, bring teaching artists into the classroom, and relaunch arts and cultural programs. Click here for guidelines and to submit an application.  Watch a pre-recorded informational webinar here.  Register for a Grant Information Session here.

Anti-Racist Practices in Arts Education:

Jan 20, 4-6 pm

What would you design for a more peaceful and just world? Sponsored by the Cooper Hewitt Museum, the 2022 National High School Design Competition invites students to envision the future we want to live in.  Entry is free, and prizes include mentorships with experts in the field. Find more information here.

Request for Proposals – Deadline: Mar 9   

OSPI is seeking proposals from arts organizations, teaching artists and others interested in participating with the Native Voices Arts Academy and the Voices from the Field Arts Academy. Both programs involve middle school students who qualify for the Migrant Education Program and their teachers with the integration of arts, culture and academic learning. See the announcements here.

Youth Writing Contest – Deadline: Mar 15

MediaRites is seeking submissions from youth ages 10 – 21 responding to the isolation of youth, life challenges and its effect on mental health and well-being in BIPOC and disability communities.  Selected personal essays, monologues, poetry and short graphic novelettes will be recognized with a $100-$300 honorarium.  Click here for guidelines.

Free Teacher Workshops

The Children’s Art Guild presents, Authenticity in the Creative Classroom, monthly workshops for dance, music, theatre, and visual arts educators.  Participants co-create lessons, processes and learning units that will let students explore creative possibilities.

Mar 1, Apr 5, May 17, June 14. Register here.

• WA Music Educators Association (WMEA) Conference and WMEA All-State and Jr. All State Yakima Convention Center – February 17 – 20, 2022
• WA State Thespians – Super State Event – March 26, 2022: Lewis & Clark High School (Spokane), Capital High School (Olympia) and Seattle area - TBD